FAQs - Classification

Job Family Classification System

What is a classification system?

A classification system groups jobs into categories or "job families" based on the type of work. The job family captures the essence of the work, rather than the specific duties of each position. Job family descriptors reflect the nature and complexity of work at several levels within each job family.

How does it work?

Position description as it relates to the individual positions are assigned to the appropriate family and level based on the job family concept and level descriptions. All positions at the same level have the same salary grade throughout the University system.

What is the value to me as an employee?

The Job Families provide a structure for career planning and easier access to information about different job categories and their requirements. The system also provides a structure for evaluation of compensation practices and consistent alignment of positions across the University.

What is the appeal process and how does it work?

Both employees and managers may appeal allocation decisions. The appeal panel includes an HR representative, a manager, and a subject matter expert. Panel membership varies depending on the particular specialty area. The panel reviews the position description and meets with the employee and supervisor to determine the most appropriate job family and level for the position. For more information on job classification appeals please refer to University Regulations R04.05.035. Job Classification System (F) Appeals.

What is the timeline to send an appeal in and who do we send the appeal to?

Employees and/or managers who would like to appeal a job classification may submit it in writing to the Director of Compensation and Classification at Statewide Human Resources within 30 calendar days of the effective date of the action appealed. The employee and/or manager will also need to send a copy to their MAU Human Resources office.

How are the job families be updated/maintained?

Job families are reviewed and updated periodically to address the impact of new technology and/or changes in the nature or organization of the work.

Position Descriptions

What is a Position Description (PD) Form?

The PD Form is a streamlined approach to describing the work of an individual job. The information on the PD is used to match a position to a job family and level. It also is a useful tool to support career planning and performance management.

How do I create a Position Description (PD) Form?

To create a position description form you will need to use the University of Alaska's online position description/recruitment tool at www.myua.alaska.edu. If you have questions about this process please contact your MAU HR Office.

How do I get a new position classified?

Submit a PD Form through MyUa. Your MAU HR Office will review and classify the job in accordance with UA Regulations.

Peer positions are positions that are similar to the position you list, in terms of job duties, scope, and complexity.

I don’t know any peer positions, what do I do?

This section is optional. If you do not know any peer positions you are not required to list any.

How do I determine the percentage of time for each duty?

Percentage of time should be determined by amount of time spent on each duty over the course of a year. For example, if an employee performs a function four hours a week, this would translate to approximately 10% of the job. If an employee works on a project full time for 2 months every year, this would translate to approximately 15-20% of the job.

What do I put in the justification box?

The justification box is intended to tell the Human Resources staff the reason for reclassifying a job, the reason for creating a new job, and the allocation the department is looking for.

How do I create an Org Chart?

You can create an org chart by using using any number of other word processing tools.

How long will the allocation process take?

Once a position description reaches Human Resources, the allocation process typically takes two weeks.

What if I don’t agree with the allocation of a job?

If you don’t agree with the allocation of a position, please contact your regional Human Resources office. If after contacting the Human Resources Office you are not satisfied with the allocation, you may appeal the allocation. More information on the appeal process can be found in University of Alaska Regulation 04.05.035 (F).